The Hong Kong Government have advised us that it is their general policy not to allow Hong Kong to be used by outsiders for their own political purposes and that the refusal of entry to Hong Kong of the studens is consistent with that policy. This in no way affects the rights of Hong Kong residents to freedom of speech within
the law.
You suggest that "reservations" made in the Hong
Kong Bill of Rights have eliminated the freedom of
assembly and association. This is not the case: these rights apply fully to persons in Hong Kong. Neither the Bill of Rights nor the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the Bill of Rights is designed to implement further in Hong Kong, however, confers a right of entry into Hong Kong on persons having no connection with Hong Kong.
I agree that Hong Kong enjoys a positive reputation as a place where its residents' freedoms are respected and valued. The Bill of rights further protects those freedoms: any person in Hong Kong who considers that his
or her rights under the Bill of Rights have been
infringed may seek redress in the Hong Kong courts.
Peter Tibber
Private Secretary to
the Earl of Caithness
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.